Sixteen year old charged with felony after science project goes wrong
By Yvette Carnell
   A 16-year-old Florida student with good grades, who is described by her principal as a âgood kidâ, is now facing felony charges for a science experiment gone wrong. Kiera Wilmot was handcuffed and hauled away like a common criminal after her science project caused a minor scare at the school.
On Monday, Wilmot mixed some household chemicals in a water bottle at Bartow High School, causing a small explosion and some smoke. No one was hurt and there were no damages.
Local affiliate WTSP reports that Wilmot was conducting a science experiment at the time of the explosion.
âShe made a bad choice. Honestly, I donât think she meant to ever hurt anyone,â principal Ron Pritchard told the station. âShe wanted to see what would happen [when the chemicals mixed] and was shocked by what it did. Her mother is shocked, too.â
After the explosion Wilmot was handcuffed and hauled away by a school resource officer and charged with discharging a weapon on school grounds and discharging a destructive device, both of which are felonies. Prosecutors intend to charge her as an adult.
Polk County Schools released a written statement:
   Anytime a student makes a bad choice it is disappointing to us. Unfortunately, the incident that occurred at Bartow High School yesterday was a serious breach of conduct. In order to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, we simply must uphold our code of conduct rules. We urge our parents to join us in conveying the message that there are con-sequences to actions. We will not compromise the safety and security of our students and staff.
The school says it has no choice but to enforce the rules. Wilmot has also been expelled from the school.
   Yvette Carnell is a former Capitol Hill and campaign staffer turned writer. She is currently an editor and contributor to Yourblackworld. You can reach Yvette via Twitter @YvetteDC or on Facebook.
